I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.
Michael Jordan
Some Monday Motivation from Renu 🙂
These are the words of the ‘God’ of basketball, the one and only Michael Jordan — the most revered player of our times. The key is to get started without worrying about missing a shot, which in our case would be a failed loaf!
Many of our fellow bakers, including those just starting, are trying the recipes shared on the blog. And by doing so, are motivating others. It is so exciting to see the creative streak in our bakers as they experiment with the recipes and customize them! Kudos to all!
Our community has shown great generosity and appreciation. And this was the very intent of our Guest Blog. Now, we eagerly look forward to learning about their journey and learning their favourite recipe every Monday!
Today’s guest baker is Kavita Gupta, a teacher by profession and a baker by passion. Here is Kavita’s baking story, in her own words.
My introduction to the group
The first cake I baked was after my class 10th board exam. The results were appreciated, but my mom was unhappy because the whole kitchen was now a mess! Anyways. Ever since, I have loved trying new dishes and enjoyed cooking for my family and friends.
A while back, my school principal called me and told me that she had shared my number with a baking group. I was amazed and taken aback to know so many home bakers (like myself) were baking breads, buns and even pizzas. I started to eagerly wait for new posts on the group. Being part of the baking group, I developed a special interest in baking.
Sometime later, Renu Ma’am agreed to conduct a baking session in our school with students and faculty. My excitement knew no bounds. She was very patient and taught us to bake buns, pizza and bread, using the same dough with small variations. When we all had a chance to taste, we were like, ‘kya hum bhi bana payenge?’ She just said two words — “patience” and “practice”.
My first bread
After the live session, I was excited to bake my first bread and was very sure it would turn out good. But initially the dough was messy and I lost hope. I called ma’am and she encouraged me and told me to keep kneading. With high hopes, I baked my bread which unfortunately came out to be dense. Dejected, I decided not to bake again.
However, after some encouragement from the group, I gathered courage to bake again, and it was far, far better. I cannot thank our group enough! Everyone in our baking group loves to share their new bakes and help each other to learn new skills.
My regular bakes
My favourite breads are focaccia and the vegetable stuffed, braided bread. Ever since the lockdown started, I have not purchased bread from the market. Baking everyday seems very easy and routine now. Here are some pictures:
Stuffed braided bread. 
Pumpkin seed bread. 
Chocolate cake. 
Veg pizza.
At first, my family couldn’t believe that these could be made at home in my normal oven! Everyone is so happy to eat home-baked healthy breads 🙂
I have shared the Basic Bread recipes with my friends and family, and everyone is happy with the results. They keep asking what’s new in the group and I share all that we need to share for new learning.
I use a PHILIPS oven and I prefer to knead my dough myself, with my hands. It gives me immense satisfaction and happiness. I prefer to use a combination of whole wheat atta and maida in my bakes.
I haven’t tried my hand at sourdough bread. I am eager to learn the same. I hope this pandemic ends soon and I get another chance to attend another live session with other members.
Home baking gives so much satisfaction — we know we are giving the best to our family; the best ingredients, no preservatives, no added colours, healthy and done hygienically!
Now, baking is like meditation to me; I feel relaxed and happy doing so. I give my heartfelt thanks and salute to our group, and my bread baking guru, who have inspired several new bakers in our baking group.
Below, I’m sharing a simple recipe for homemade Nankhatai. I hope you try this and share your experience 🙂
— Kavita Gupta.
Recipe for Nankhatai
Ingredients
- ½ cup maida + ½ cup aata
- ½ cup besan
- ¼ cup sooji
- ¾ cup ghee
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- Pinch of salt
Step 1
Cream ghee and sugar together.
Step 2
Sieve the aata, maida, sooji and besan in the cream mix. Add cardamom powder and mix lightly till everything comes together. Do not over mix.
Step 3
Keep the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4
Preheat the oven at 180℃ for 10 minutes.
Step 5
Make small lemon size balls and flatten them a little. Bake them for 15-18 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.
Note:
- You can put almonds or pista on top of nakhatai.
- You can add almond flour to the dough, if it is difficult to handle.
Closing thoughts
Thank you so much Kavita for sharing your experience! It is a wonderful read, and will surely inspire many new bakers.
Home baking gives so much satisfaction — we know we are giving the best to our family; the best ingredients, no preservatives, no added colours, healthy and done hygienically!
I am sure everyone in our group feels the same way! Thanks for sharing your story Kavita.
Watch out for the next post on Wednesday. Take care.
Awesome journey…..
Beautiful breads…..
Looking forward to more sharing of ideas & recipes.
Thank you Meenakshi ma’am … you are a true inspiration and I have learnt a lot from your shares too 🙏🏼❤️
Inspiring journey Kavita, would definitely try your wonderful recipe of Nan khatai..
Keep baking & sharing.
Thank you Mamta ma’am… I am happy you liked my post. Do try this recipe… it tastes amazing. Heartfelt gratitude for your support 😊❤️
Thanks for sharing your lovely experience , it really motivated new bakers like us..👩🍳👩🍳👩🍳
Keep cooking and keep inspiring us ☺️👍☺️👍☺️👍☺️😍😍
Payal I was also a beginner when I joined this group. Please do join our baking group, I am sure you will be a super talented baker by the end of this year. 🍞🥖🍰👍🏼😊❤️
That looks awesome! Never thought this recipe could be so simple..mouth watering ‘Nan Khatai’😋😋..Wanna give a try😀😀
Thanks Geetanjali… baking is no rocket science…. just the correct measurements, and patience 😊
Hey Kavita, really amazing journey indeed. I have learnt some really mouth watering delicacies from you like yummilicious pav- bhaji, paneer kulcha, masala tindaas, fluffy and super soft idlis with red ‘onion.tomato, ginger’ chutney, punjabi kadhi, kadha parshad(atte ka halwa)…… the list is endless. Now I am looking forward to honing my baking skills with your guidance. Gratitude to your mentor and guide, Renu ji. Kavita, everyone who knows you is familiar with your ‘midas touch’…… All the best dear.
Thank u dear Leena … for your words of appreciation. Do try your hands on baking , start with nan khatai … recipe mentioned above. I am sure everyone would love it 😊❤️
Amazing journey!! Will surely try my hands on this simple and healthy recipe of Nan-khatai as my little one loves to eat sweets.
Thank you for inspiring a young mom like me.
Waiting for some more easy,healthy and quick recipes.
All the best!!
Thanks Priyanka … this is a healthy recipe… you can surely bake for your little one … I am sure he would love this ❤️🙏🏼
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I made nankhatai as per Kavita’s recipe though I veganised it. Came out fabulously! Thanks for this!
(Btw I don’t know how to attach a photo to this 🤔🤔)
Great going Shubha! Happy to see that you are regularly baking and sharing. Thanks.
As for the picture of your lovely nankhatai, I will share in the ‘appreciation’ post soon. Please share your vegan recipe.
Wow ma’am … that’s great 👍🏼👏🏻😊 do share your version 👍🏼
Renu mam is really like god gift to all of us….i could relate to all wat u said…as even i was always disheartened with baking…..but by joining this group i have learnt a lot…thats really appreciable…. all your bakes are awesome….we all are diamonds but our real jeweller is renu mam….i really liked your nan khatai recepie……👌👌🌸🌸👍👍
Thanks for your kind words Preety. Keep baking and keep sharing.
Renu Ji you are so humble and so are your sessions. Outpouring love and gratitude. I also miss the meditation we used to do together 💗💞💓
Made melt in the mouth nankhatai
Out of this world
Thank you for the best recipe ever
Good to know you liked the recipe .👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼
I learned nankhatai in my early college days with pure maida , so was not trying at all .Kavita ji your recipe of adding besan has really made it nutritious, I’m definitely going to try . Thanks for sharing & keep baking with us .
Thanks Richa ji , do add atta also to make it healthier. We are learning from each other’s experiences and experiments . All credit goes to Renu ma’am.🙏🏼😊